Lines, Spaces and Intersections on Topics Familial, Familiar and Philosophical

Sunday, 3 February 2013

HANDS UP IF YOU'RE HERE!

Alastair is 5 years old. It's party time!

Yesterday Mairi had invited 12 of Alastair's friends plus some more for Ishie (as it was going to be "all boys"). But everything went pear-shaped for the football arrangements that were planned. Some quick thinking by John saved the day: he waved his magic wand in the shape of his mobile phone and produced (at 40 minutes' notice!) a magician - Bluto the Wizard!

He was absolutely terrific! John took a short video which you can see by clicking on this link.

This is a screen-shot of Bluto entertaining the Birthday Boy plus 12 children the living room.

Those of us rustling up food downstairs could hear the giggling and chorous of incantations as the hour unfolded.

I laughed and laughed at Bluto's very opening gambit: "Hands up those who are here!"

This week I could have done with that command on a few occasions!

On the whole my social engagements are mainly with people of my own age and, to a lesser extent, people who are older than me. Certainly, we are all aging but I have reached the age (68) where it is now more worrying, and rather depressing. I am talking about those of us (and I include myself!) who are now getting forgetful ranging through to a few who are now suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

It's been one of those weeks. I visit in a Care Home where most of the patients I see in the halls and days rooms are just not with it. Phew ... one hour and I really find I need to head for the door. On 3 other occasions this week I have been with people (at home or at gatherings) who do not have dementia but their spouses do.

Worse still, here is an example of an increasing problem I am having in my social life: I have been seated at a table next to a absolutely lovely person who after a few words ... you realize is simply "not with you".

Now I try to be philosophical, i.e. it is simply the downside of what is my one (and only?!) social asset: "Barbara will talk to anybody". But ... I have to confess ... I am beginning to get rather twitchy about it!

So.... "Dear Ann Landers: What do you suggest to host(esse)s who have to make a seating plan which must include the Ancient Elder/Spouse who is attending the function and who suffers from dementia?"

So after seeing this magic show I see that I am going to have to resist the temptation to shout from the doorway of the next social function I am obliged to attend: "Hands up those who are here!"

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Later: As Bob says "I'm usually here with both hands-up confessing to anything... Unless I turn up missing..... You can usually tell if here or not by looking in the mirror!"